Preventable Deaths from Heart Disease & Stroke
News Thursday, September 5th, 2013CDC: September 2013
At least 200,000 deaths from heart disease and stroke each year are preventable.*
More than half of preventable heart disease and stroke deaths happen to people under age 65.
Blacks are nearly twice as likely as whites to die from preventable heart disease and stroke.
Nearly 1 in 3 deaths in the US each year is caused by heart disease and stroke. At least 200,000 of these deaths could have been prevented through changes in health habits, such as stopping smoking, more physical activity, and less salt in the diet; community changes to create healthier living spaces, such as safe places to exercise and smoke-free areas; and managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
More people will have access to health care coverage and preventive care through the Affordable Care Act. Health care providers should talk with their patients about healthy habits at every visit and follow patients’ progress. Read more
